But if you’re self-studying, the amount of information can be overwhelming. What grammar do you need to know? How many words? Where do you even start?
Don't worry. As part of our [A Beginner's Complete Guide to Learning Korean], we’ve created a clear, step-by-step 3-month (12-week) plan. If you stick to this, you will be more than ready to pass.
First, What is TOPIK 1?
The TOPIK 1 is the beginner-level test. It has two parts—Listening and Reading.
To pass Level 1, you need a score of 80 out of 200.
To pass Level 2, you need a score of 140 out of 200.
This plan is designed to get you Level 2. To pass, you need to know:
Basic grammar (tenses, connectors, politeness levels).
Around 800-1,000 basic vocabulary words.
How to understand simple, everyday conversations and signs.
Not sure about the exam? Read our full guide first: [What is the TOPIK Exam? A Guide for Filipino Students]
Your 3-Month Self-Study Plan
This plan is built on consistency. Studying for 1 hour every day is 10x more effective than cramming for 7 hours on a Saturday.
Month 1: The Foundation (Weeks 1-4)
Goal: Master Hangeul and core sentence structure. Weekly Commitment: 6-8 hours.
Week 1: Master Hangeul.
Focus: Do nothing else until you can read and write the Korean alphabet perfectly. This is the most important step.
Resource: [A Filipino Beginner's Guide to Hangeul (Learn in 1 Hour)]
Weeks 2-3: Core Grammar 1.
Focus: Learn basic sentence structure (Subject-Object-Verb), politeness levels (formal -ㅂ니다 vs. informal -요), and the verbs "to be" (입니다/이에요/예요) and "to have/exist" (있습니다/있어요).
Resource: Use a core website like [HowToStudyKorean.com (Unit 1)] or Talk To Me In Korean (Level 1).
Week 4: Core Grammar 2.
Focus: Learn basic past tense (-았/었어요) and future tense (-ㄹ 거예요). Start memorizing your first 200 words (e.g., common nouns, verbs, places).
Resource: Use a vocab app like [Memrise or Drops] for 15 minutes every day.
Month 1 Checkpoint: You should be able to read Hangeul and form simple sentences like, "I am a student," "I went to the store," and "I will eat kimchi."
Month 2: Building Blocks (Weeks 5-8)
Goal: Learn common connectors, expand vocabulary, and start listening. Weekly Commitment: 6-8 hours.
Weeks 5-6: Connecting Grammar.
Focus: Learn how to connect ideas. Study grammar for "and" (고, 하고), "but" (지만), "so" (그래서), and "because" (아/어서). Also, learn how to make negative sentences (안, -지 않다, 못).
Resource: Continue with your core website (HTSK Unit 1, TTMIK Level 2).
Weeks 7-8: Expanding Vocabulary & Listening.
Focus: Your goal is to reach ~800 words. Learn words for time, days, family, food, and common adjectives.
Start "passive listening." Find very simple podcasts or YouTube channels for "absolute beginners" and just listen, even if you don't understand everything.
Resource: Use vocab apps. Start writing a simple one-sentence journal entry in Korean each day (e.g., "Today I ate adobo. Adobo is delicious.")
Month 2 Checkpoint: You should be able to form more complex sentences like, "I want to go to Korea, but I don't have money," or "I studied Korean, so I was tired."
Month 3: Activation & Practice (Weeks 9-12)
Goal: Review all grammar and master the test format. Weekly Commitment: 8-10 hours.
Weeks 9-10: Grammar Review & Timed Reading.
Focus: Go back and review all the grammar from Months 1 & 2. Do practice exercises.
Start reading simple texts (like children's stories) or TOPIK 1 reading passages. Time yourself. You must get faster at reading.
Weeks 11-12: MOCK EXAM BOOT CAMP.
Focus: This is the most important part. Stop learning new things. You must take 5-10 full, timed TOPIK 1 mock exams.
Resource: Google "TOPIK 1 past papers" or "TOPIK 1 기출문제." The official TOPIK website often provides these.
Process: Take the test under real conditions (no phone, timed). Grade yourself. See why you got questions wrong. Was it vocabulary? Grammar? Did you run out of time?
Learn test-taking strategies. For listening, learn to read the options before the audio plays.
Month 3 Checkpoint: You should feel comfortable with the test format. You know your weaknesses and have a strategy for passing.
Final Tip: Consistency > Cramming
You cannot pass the TOPIK by cramming. It's a test of what you have acquired, not what you memorized. This 3-month plan works if you do it consistently.
Good luck. You can do this!
파이팅! (Fighting!)
Ready to register? [Check the TOPIK Exam Schedule 2026 in the Philippines]
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